Philharmonic performs a lyrical delight

Saturday's Johannes Brahms program, presented by the Las Vegas Philharmonic, was a spiritual, lyrical and intellectual delight. The orchestra's performance of interplays resounded in beauty and strength.

The evening opened with the dignified and melancholy "Tragic Overture." Richard McGee, the Philharmonic's assistant conductor, weaved a fast-paced and precise tempo amidst blocks of sound. The strings soared with lingering echoes of oboe and horn.

"A German Requiem" was next on the program. Conducted by David Weiller, director of the UNLV Concert Singers, the composition featured soprano Olivia Gorra and baritone Zheng Zhou, along with the 100 voices of the UNLV Concert Singers and the Las Vegas Master Singers.

Weiller, conducting one of the most challenging pieces of his career, rose to the occasion. After initial hesitation, he vigorously seized command, enhancing with superb vision the lush score and grand scope of the composition. The entire performance was glorious, yet disciplined. The orchestra, the soloists and the choruses performed with unaffected charisma.

Gorra's voice soared. She was at times tender, at times eloquent. It was disappointing that we did not get to hear more from this outstanding soprano.

Zhou's barritone voice was exemplary and perfect in restrained expressiveness.

The evening ended with standing ovations, the audience presenting the entire performance a well-deserved accolade.